31. Low Sagebrush Ecological Series

Table 31-1. Full names and short names for the ecological types in the Low Sagebrush Ecological Series. Ecological Type Association Code Name Code Short Name Low sagebrush/Parry oatgrass- fescue–Smectitic Low sagebrush/Idaho fescue– SU4 Cryoboralfs–Exposed Subalpine slopes and ridges, ARAR8/DAPA2-FEID Heavy clay soils 9,200-10,500 ft Low sagebrush-Mountain big sagebrush/Parry oatgrass-Idaho Low-mountain ARAR8- SU5 fescue–Smectitic Cryoboralfs–Exposed Subalpine ridges, sagebrushes/Idaho fescue– ARTRV/DAPA2-FEID 9,000-10,000 ft Heavy clay soils Low sagebrush/Parry oatgrass-Thurber fescue-Idaho fescue– ARAR8/DAPA2-FETH- Low sagebrush/Thurber-Idaho SU6 Argic Cryoborolls–Subalpine slopes, FEID fescues–Cold dark clay soils 8,900-10,600 ft

The Artemisia arbuscula series is described as new here, having been broken out of the Artemisia Table 31-3. Production in the low (Sagebrush) Series of Tweit and Houston (1980), sagebrush/Idaho fescue type in which is much too large. Stands of this series northern (Jensen and occupy sites that are small to large to occasionally others 1988-1989) very large. The medium to large sites are easy to Value ± SD, Plant Group kg/ha/yr distinguish on aerial photos, but it is difficult to identify them to type, because of their similarity on Shrubs 109 ± 57 Graminoids 432 ± 158 the photos to early seral stages of other types which Forbs 95 ± 73 also appear as short grasslands. Total 627 ± 207 Vegetation, Climate, Soils This series encompasses low shrublands, where Fire Management the grasses often overtop the shrubs, so that the Low sagebrush is easily killed by fire, but these community resembles a grassland from an oblique stands are difficult to burn because of low canopy angle. Soils are shallow to a hard claypan formed of heights, low productivity, and consequent scattered rocks cemented together with montmorillonite fuels. Such stands may be effective firebreaks clay, creating a layer impermeable to most plant (Bunting and others 1987). roots (Hironaka and others 1983). These soils are poorly aerated (Fosberg and Hironaka 1964). Insects and diseases are not documented for this series.

Table 31-2. Climate and Soils Range and Wildlife Management Characteristic Value Reference Because sites of this series are so open, they are 400-660 mm/yr Precipitation Local data often grazed, but they are not very productive of 16-26 in/yr forage. Sandwort (Eremogone congesta) increases Growing period 27 da (25-30 da) Soil degree days 190 (165-225) with grazing; Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis) decreases with grazing. Annual: 9°C (7-11°C) Jensen (1989) 48°F (45-52°F) Soil temperature Winter use by deer or elk, or heavy summer use summer: 16-17°C by cattle or sheep, may lead to decreases in low 60-63°F sagebrush (Tweit and Houston 1980).

Hironaka and others (1983) noted that the onset of growth in the spring is delayed due to the very wet soils when compared to surrounding areas that support mountain big sagebrush.

647 Deer, elk, pronghorn, and sage grouse use sites heavy-clay and coarse fragments that are stable as of this series in mild winters and springs in eastern long as they are not cut. Compaction from (Dealy and others 1981), but such sites in equipment, roads, or trails should be minimized. the UGB are too high in elevation for sage grouse, Sites of this series are also generally suitable for deer or elk to access them in most springs or developed or dispersed recreation, but winters Sage grouse sometimes browse low developments should be above-ground. However, sagebrush, which is also reported to be one of the these sites are open, exposed, windy, and far from most palatable species of sagebrush to mule deer any attractions, so preference for recreation is low. (Dealy 1981). Revegetation and Rehabilitation Recreation, Roads & Trails, Scenery These sites blow clear of snow relatively early, Sites of this series are generally suitable for so they are cold, and they lack cover. Recovery after roads and trails, since they are often nearly flat and revegetation will be slow (Tweit and Houston roadcuts are not necessary. The soils are packed 1980).

Key to Ecological Types in the Low Sagebrush Series

1. Shrubby cinquefoil >5% cover ...... SU4 1. Shrubby cinquefoil usually absent, rarely <3% cover...... (2)

2. Mountain sagebrush >10% cover, often >20% ...... (4) 2. Mountain sagebrush usually absent, sometimes <10% cover...... (3)

3. Soils Argic Cryoborolls, coarser (average 54%) soils ...... SU6 3. Soils Smectitic Cryoboralfs, somewhat less coarse (average 33%) ...... SU4

4. Saskatoon serviceberry >25%...... SA6 in Serviceberry Series 4. Saskatoon serviceberry usually absent, rarely <1% cover...... (5)

5. Deeper (average 85 cm), coarser (average 32%), loamier soils, Argic Cryoborolls ...... SU1 5. Somewhat shallower (average 73 cm), less coarse (average 19%), clayier soils, Smectitic Cryoboralfs...... SU5

Table 31-4. Characteristics of Ecological Types within Ecological Series 31 in the Upper Gunnison Basin. Numbers are shown in form Average (Minimum-Maximum)

Cover, %: Trees Total Live Avg. Aspect, Surface: Shrubs Cover, % Code °M (r) Soil Depth, cm Coarse, % Graminoids No. Species Short Name No. Samples Elevation, ft Slope, % Coarse, % Mollic, cm Bare, % Forbs TLC/NS, % 0 (0-1) SU4 161.6 (109.0-241.1) 9,618 259 (0.54) 85 (46-140) 9 (0-41) 32 (5-61) Low sagebrush/Idaho 25 33 (0-66) 33 (12-49) (9,210-10,490) 14 (8-31) 24 (0-87) 11 (1-31) 76 (38-116) fescue–Heavy clay soils 5.1 (2.7-9.1) 54 (8-127) SU5 0 (0-0) 182.4 (128.5-236.0) Low-mountain 9,460 259 (0.54) 73 (26-120) 1 (1-1) 52 (31-66) 5 19 (19-20) 22 (12-40) sagebrushes/Idaho (9,000-9,920) 10 (10-10) 27 (3-51) 4 (2-5) 83 (37-150) 10.7 (5.0-19.7) fescue–Heavy clay soils 47 (19-109) SU6 0 (0-0) 153.2 (134.4-164.1) Low sagebrush/ Thurber- 9,753 89 (0.24) 93 (56-139) 13 (3-32) 26 (18-34) 4 54 (30-77) 30 (19-36) Idaho fescues–Cold dark (8,980-10,530) 18 (8-40) 48 (24-106) 15 (13-19) 87 (44-126) 5.6 (4.1-8.6) clay soils 40 (21-65)

648 SU4 LOW SAGEBRUSH/IDAHO FESCUE–HEAVY CLAY SOILS ARAR8/DAPA2-FEID Low sagebrush/Parry oatgrass-Idaho fescue–Smectitic Cryoboralfs– Exposed Subalpine slopes and ridges, 9,210-10,490 ft

Figure 31-1. Cross-section (in the bracket) of vegetation structure of Low sagebrush/Idaho fescue–Heavy clay soils. Aspects are westerly, and slope angles average 14%.

Low sagebrush/Idaho fescue–Heavy clay soils (ARAR8)! The two species and associated ecological is a very common type outside the deep types are easily distinguished. rainshadows on exposed Subalpine ridges with The soils of Low sagebrush/Idaho fescue– heavy-clay (Smectitic) soils. It is common on gentle Heavy clay soils resemble concrete, because they slopes in the Subalpine zone of the Gunnison Basin. consist of coarse to very coarse fragments mixed This type also occurs on the western slopes of the with very fine-textured, sticky Smectite clay. The in western , clay glues the coarse fragments together in a very southwestern Idaho, southeastern Oregon, western tight, water-impermeable substance that resembles , northwestern and central-western concrete. , and northeastern . Low sagebrush/Idaho fescue–Heavy clay soils is The plant association Artemisia arbuscula/ characterized by low sagebrush (ARAR8), Idaho Danthonia parryi-Festuca idahoensis is based on fescue (FEID) and ballhead desert sandwort Artemisia arbuscula/Festuca idahoensis (Beetle (ERCO24). Many sites also have Parry oatgrass 1961, Dealy 1971, Schlatterer 1972, Volland 1976, (DAPA2) or Thurber fescue (FETH). See Table 31-8 Mueggler 1980, and Tweit and Houston 1980). for common species names and codes. Other This type is usually adjacent to and interspersed distinguishing features include location in the with mountain big sagebrush/Thurber fescue Subalpine zone and residual or colluvial communities. Low sagebrush sites often occur as Cryoboralfs. patches within a sagebrush/Thurber site. Low sagebrush/Idaho fescue–Heavy clay soils Grazing by livestock, elk, and deer removes is related to Low-mountain sagebrushes/Idaho palatable Parry oatgrass and Idaho fescue first, fescue–Heavy clay soils, which is codominated by after which site are dominated by low sagebrush mountain sagebrush (ARTRV) and occurs at slightly and forbs, especially sandwort. Once the seed lower elevations on less-coarse soils. Low sources for those grasses are eliminated, the low sagebrush/Idaho fescue–Heavy clay soils is also sagebrush-forbs community becomes a disclimax. related to Low sagebrush/Thurber-Idaho fescues– Horizontal obstruction varies from very low to Cold dark clay soils, which occurs on southeasterly moderate, averaging low, and there is typically very slopes (rather than westerly) on coarser, deeper little hiding cover for deer and elk on these sites. soils. The soils of Low sagebrush/Idaho fescue– Mule deer and elk use of community types A, B, C, Heavy clay soils are morphologically similar to and D is low in the winter and moderately low those of Black sagebrush/ fescue–Coarse spring through fall for rest. Deer and elk use of heavy clay soils–Windward, but the vegetation, community E is low both in winter and spring soil temperature, and climate are very different. through fall. Sites are rarely used by sage grouse for These two types have often been confused in the cover in the summer. Sage grouse use of past, as evidenced by the local place name Black community types A, B, C, and E is very low for leks Sage Pass. There is no black sagebrush (ARNO4) in spring and for nesting, but moderate in the nearby, but there is plenty of low sagebrush summer. Sage grouse use of community E is moderately low in summer.

649 Summary of Ecological Type Characteristics 1. Explanation of symbols in Appendix A. Percentages in [brackets] indicate the percentage of plots sampled that have that characteristic.

NUMBER OF SAMPLES 24, soil descriptions from 19; 4 not assigned to a CT (total 28) ELEVATION 9,620 ft (9,210-10,490 ft); 2,932 m (2,807-3,197 m) AVERAGE ASPECT 255°M (r = 0.58) LITHOLOGY Mostly sedimentary: shale-sandstone-mudstone [68%]; some igneous: gneiss-granite-schist-breccia-tuff- basalt [27%] FORMATIONS¹ Km-Jm-KJdm-Kd [64%]; Tos-Tpl-Tbb-Tmi [21%] LANDFORMS Soil creep slopes [43%], ridges [30%], benches and mesas [13%], slump-earthflows [9%] SLOPE POSITIONS Backslopes [42%], summits and shoulders [46%] SLOPE SHAPES Convex [52%] to linear [35%] horizontally, Linear [78%] vertically SLOPE ANGLE 13.8% (8-31%) SOIL PARENT MATERIAL Residuum [35%], Colluvium [26%], Colluvium over Residuum [17%] COARSE FRAGMENTS 8.7% (0-41%) cover on surface, 33.8% (0-66%) by volume in soil SOIL DEPTH 86 cm (47-140 cm); 34.0 in (19-55 in) MOLLIC THICKNESS 25 cm (0-87 cm); 9.7 in (0-34 in) TEXTURE On the surface, a wide variety, led by clay loam [35%] and loam [26%]; subsurface clay [74%] SOIL CLASSIFICATION All Cryoboralfs, mostly deep [76%] TOTAL LIVE COVER 163.1% (109.0-241.1%) NUMBER OF SPECIES 33.0 (12-49) TOTAL LIVE COVER/NO. SPECIES 5.2% (2.7-9.1%) CLIMATE Cool to cold, dry in summer. The local distribution of this type indicates that may be the product of its unique soils. WATER Soils are impermeable, so most water runs off.

650 1,300

1,200

1,100

1,000

900

800

700

600

Production, lb/ac/yr 500

400

300

200

100

0 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 Cover by Growth Form, %

S G F TLC

Figure 31-2. Relationship of cover by growth form and production. This is the ARARFEID (ARAR8-FEID) model. S = shrubs, G = graminoids, F = forbs, and TLC = Total live cover.

Table 31-5. Wildlife values (relative to the whole UGB) for the principal wildlife species using Low sagebrush/Idaho fescue–Heavy clay soils. Sage Grouse Mule Deer Elk CT Season–Preference Season–Preference Season–Preference Spring– Very Low (Lek) A, B, Winter, Any–Low Winter, Any–Low Nesting– Very Low C, D Spring/Fall– Mod. Low (Rest) Spring/Fall– Mod. Low (Rest) Summer– Moderate Spring– Very Low (Lek) Winter, Any–Low Winter, Any–Low E Nesting– Very Low Spring/Fall– Low (Rest) Spring/Fall– Low (Rest) Summer– Mod. Low

Key to Community Types 1. Parry oatgrass >30% cover ...... A 1. Parry oatgrass usually absent, sometimes <30% cover...... (2)

2. Thurber fescue >10% cover. Total graminoid cover 65-110%...... (3) 2. Thurber fescue usually absent, rarely <5% cover. Total graminoid cover 30-70% ...... (4)

3. Thurber fescue >30% cover. Junegrass (KOMA) absent or <2% cover ...... B 3. Thurber fescue 10-30% cover. Junegrass >5% cover, often >10% ...... C

4. Parry oatgrass 10-30% cover...... D 4. Parry oatgrass absent or <5% cover...... E

651 Description of Community Types A Parry oatgrass-low sagebrush-Idaho fescue-desert sandwort is dominated by Parry oatgrass, with 35-75% cover. Low sagebrush is conspicuous, 10-40% cover. Idaho fescue is sometimes prominent, 2-40% cover. Junegrass (KOMA), and ballhead desert sandwort (ERCO24) are both constant. Total graminoid cover ranges from 75 to 110%. Graminoid production is 600-800 lb/ac/yr. B Thurber fescue-low sagebrush is dominated by Thurber fescue, with 35-90% cover. Low sagebrush is subdominant, 10-50% cover. Parry oatgrass is usually absent, sometimes present up to 2% cover. Idaho fescue is absent or <15% cover. Total graminoid cover ranges from 70 to 120%. Graminoid production is 600-800 lb/ac/yr. C Low sagebrush-Idaho fescue-Thurber fescue-sulfurflower is dominated by low sagebrush, at 20-60% cover, and Thurber fescue, 10-25% cover. Parry oatgrass is absent or <5%. Idaho fescue is always present, 1-30% cover. Sulfurflower (ERSU11) is a constant. Total graminoid cover ranges from 40 to 110%. Graminoid production is 250-750 lb/ac/yr. D Low sagebrush-Parry oatgrass-prairie junegrass is dominated by low sagebrush, 5-35% cover, Parry oatgrass, 10-30% cover, or junegrass, 3-20% cover. Thurber fescue is absent. Idaho fescue is cover varies from 0 to 15%. Total graminoid cover ranges from 40 to 60%. Graminoid production is 300-500 lb/ac/yr. E Low sagebrush is dominated by low sagebrush, 5-50% cover, with a variety of grasses, different in each plot. Total graminoid cover ranges from 35 to 70%. Graminoid production is 200-500 lb/ac/yr. Communities Not Assigned to a Community Type • One community was dominated by Idaho fescue, with lesser amounts of low sagebrush, false-dandelion (AGGL), and bluegrass (POA). This may be a separate community type that is under-represented in our sample. • One community was dominated by almost complete cover of smooth brome (BRIN7), with lesser amounts of Kentucky bluegrass (POPR), low sagebrush, Parry oatgrass, and Idaho fescue. Smooth brome, an exotic, invaded this sites from a nearby site artificially seeded for revegetation. The natives sagebrush, oatgrass, and fescue may have declined because of shade and other competitive effects from the smooth brome. Smooth brome is not very palatable to herbivores, rendering the site useless to livestock and game. Smooth brome behaves as a weed, and should not be for revegetation. • One community was dominated by abundant Parry oatgrass (>50% cover), and lesser amounts of low sagebrush, Idaho fescue, Thurber fescue, and other grasses. This may also be a separate community type which is under-represented in our sample. Table 31-6. Community types within Low sagebrush/Idaho fescue–Heavy clay soils. Obstruct’n %:

es Cover, %: Prod.¹, 1.5-2.0 m Coarseness, % Surface Avg Trees No. Species lb/ac/yr 1.0-1.5 m Depth, cm Coarse, % Layr Shrubs Total Live Shrubs 0.5-1.0 m sampl Elevation, ft Mollic Depth, Bare, % Layer Height, Cvr Graminoids Cover, % Gramin. 0.0-0.5 m Community Type No. Slope, % cm Seral Stage Lr m % Forbs TLC/NS, % Forbs Total<2m GF 0.2 (0.0-1.0) 89.2 0 (0-0) A. Parry oatgrass- 0 (0-0) 46 (21-66) 7 (4-15) S1 0.2 (0.1-0.7) 19.2 30 (19-43) 124-364 0 (0-0) low sagebrush- 9,663 (9,380-9,900) 23 (13-35) 6 78 (47-116) 7 (1-18) S2 0.1 (0.0-0.3) 7.9 164 (127-211) 679-738 0 (0-0) Idaho fescue- 11.0 (8-14) 90 (77-102) 25 (14-36) PN-LS M 0.0 1.4 5.8 (3.9-7.5) 71-768 60 (50-75) desert sandwort 51 (25-85) L 0.0 0.5 15 (13-19) GF 0.4 (0.0-1.0) 91.5 0 (0-0) 0 (0-0) 39 (0-62) 7 (0-17) S1 0.3 (0.1-0.5) 19.6 34 (26-44) 154-597 0 (0-0) B. Thurber fescue- 9,745 (9,210-10,490) 34 (16-52) 6 94 (63-117) 11 (1-31) S2 0.1 (0.0-0.2) 3.1 183 (114-241) 652-738 10 (0-40) low sagebrush 22.2 (15-31) 100 (73-116) 50 (31-87) LM M 0.0 0.1 5.6 (2.7-8.0) 15-967 79 (60-95) 49 (8-127) L 0.0 0.1 22 (15-34) GF * 87.3 0 C. Low sagebrush- 0 (0-0) 16 (11-21) 6 (1-15) S1 * 58.7 36 (33-40) 263-631 0 Idaho fescue- 9,653 (9,510-9,780) 44 (28-55) 4 109 (46-140) 10 (4-15) S2 Missing M 173 (125-223) 290-738 0 Thurber fescue- 11.5 (10-14) 74 (40-105) 5 (0-14) LM-MS M Missing M 4.9 (3.1-6.7) 64-619 20 sulfurflower 55 (24-71) L Missing M 5 GF 0.2 (0.0-0.4) 70 0 0 (0-0) D. Low sagebrush- 29 (29-29) 24 (6-41) S1 0.2 (0.1-0.3) 53 32 (28-36) 49-377 0 9,650 (9,600-9,700) 21 (5-36) Parry oatgrass- 2 84 (54-113) 14 (10-19) S2 Missing M 118 (112-124) 357-477 0 9.5 (9-10) 49 (45-54) prairie junegrass 11 (3-18) MS M Missing M 3.8 (3.1-4.4) 262-382 60 48 (43-53) L Missing M 15 GF 0.3 (0.0-0.9) 75.0 0 (0-0) 0 (0-1) 24 (8-44) 9 (2-19) S1 0.3 (0.1-0.4) 9.5 34 (12-49) 104-687 0 (0-0) 9,412 (9,220-9,750) 34 (11-61) E. Low sagebrush 7 72 (49-84) 15 (4-25) S2 0.1 (0.0-0.2) 24.3 147 (109-214) 260-616 0 (0-0) 11.3 (9-14) 52 (38-68) 16 (6-36) EM-ES M Missing M 4.8 (3.0-9.1) 221-843 35 (20-45) 61 (40-94) L 0.0 T 9 (5-11) *. Unknown: measurements were not taken in this CT.

652

Table 31-7. Resource Values for Low sagebrush/Idaho fescue–Heavy clay soils. Resource values were calculated from the numbers in Table 31-6, relative to the whole UGB. The numbers in this table can be translated: 0 = Very Low, 1 = Low, 2 = Moderately Low, 3 = Moderate, 4 = Moderately High, 5 = High, and 6 = Very High. Community Type Resource Value A B C D E Potential Cattle Forage Production 3 3 3 2 2-3 Grazing Suitability 2¹ 2¹ 2¹ 2¹ 2¹ Wetland No No No No No Riparian Area No No No No No Developed Recreation 1¹ 1¹ 1¹ 1¹ 1¹ Dispersed Recreation 1¹ 1¹ 1¹ 1¹ 1¹ Scenic 1 1 1 1 1 Road & Trail Stability 2¹ 2¹ 2¹ 2¹ 2¹ Construction Suitability 1¹ 1¹ 1¹ 1¹ 1¹ Deer & Elk Hiding Cover 1 1-2 2-3 1 0-1 Deer & Elk Forage & Browse 2 2 2 1 1 Need for Watershed Protection 2-3 2-3 2-3 2-3 2-3 Soil Stability 2¹ 2¹ 2¹ 2¹ 2¹ Risk of Soil Loss-Natural 2-3 2-3 2-3 2-3 2-3 Risk of Soil Loss-Management 4-5 4-5 4-5 4-5 4-5 Risk of Permanent Depletion-Range 3 3 3 3 3 Risk of Permanent Depletion-Wildlife 1 1 1 1 1 Resource Cost of Management 5 5 5 5 5 Cost of Rehabilitation 2-3 2-3 2-3 2-3 2-3 1. Unstable, not suitable in spring and fall, when the soil turns to sticky mud.

A low sagebrush/Parry oatgrass-Idaho fescue site in good condition (Community Type B), with some Thurber fescue. Looking at this site obliquely, it resembles a grassland, but a closer look reveals the low sagebrush shrubs, which are often shorter than the grasses. Thurber fescue 88% cover, inland bluegrass 24%, low sagebrush 23%, Lewis flax 22%, vetch 4%. Coarse Fragments Cover = 0%, Total Live Cover = 209%, Coarse Fragments in Soil = 25. Soil sampled as a Argic Pachic Cryoboroll, Fine-Loamy. Almont Quadrangle, elevation 9,210 ft, 15% 000° (N) slope. July 28, 1994.

653 Table 31-8. Common Species in Low sagebrush/Idaho fescue–Heavy clay soils, where Characteristic cover > 10% or Constancy > 20%. "–" means that the species is not found. Dead cover is not listed. Ccv = Characteristic Cover, Con = Constancy. If Avc = Average Cover, then these are related using the formula Avc = Ccv•100%/Con.

Community Type A B C D E Ccv (Con) Ccv (Con) Ccv (Con) Ccv (Con) Ccv (Con) Code Species N = 6 6 4 2 7 Common Name SHRUBS ARAR8 Artemisia arbuscula 23 (100) 26 (100) 40 (100) 18 (100) 24 (100) low sagebrush ARTRV Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana T (33) – – T (25) – – T (43) mountain big sagebrush CHVI8 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus T (33) 7 (83) 2 (75) 2 (100) 1 (86) Douglas rabbitbrush CHVIP5 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus ssp. pumilus – – – – – – – – 14 (43) green rabbitbrush MARE11 Mahonia repens 1 (17) T (33) 1 (25) – – T (43) Oregon-grape SYRO Symphoricarpos rotundifolius – – 1 (50) T (50) – – 2 (43) mountain snowberry GRAMINOIDS ACLE9 Achnatherum lettermanii 2 (17) 9 (33) 17 (50) 10 (50) T (29) Letterman needlegrass ACNE9 Achnatherum nelsonii T (17) 2 (33) 2 (50) – – – – Nelson's needlegrass ACPI2 Achnatherum pinetorum 3 (17) 4 (17) 2 (25) – – 4 (57) pine needlegrass BRCA10 Bromopsis canadensis 1 (17) 1 (83) – – – – 4 (43) fringed brome CAFO3 Carex foenea – – 12 (17) – – – – 30 (14) silvertop sedge CAGE2 Carex geyeri 16 (50) 28 (17) 4 (50) – – T (14) elk sedge CAOB4 Carex obtusata 3 (33) 4 (67) 3 (25) – – 5 (14) blunt sedge DAPA2 Danthonia parryi 56 (100) 1 (17) 3 (50) 19 (100) 2 (43) Parry oatgrass ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 1 (33) 1 (50) 3 (100) 3 (50) 2 (71) bottlebrush squirreltail FEID Festuca idahoensis 16 (100) 6 (67) 14 (100) 11 (50) 6 (57) Idaho fescue FETH Festuca thurberi 2 (67) 71 (100) 18 (100) – – 2 (29) Thurber fescue HECO26 Hesperostipa comata – – – – – – 1 (50) 11 (57) needle-and-thread KOMA Koeleria macrantha 4 (100) T (50) 15 (75) 11 (100) 11 (86) prairie junegrass POFE Poa fendleriana 13 (17) – – 5 (75) 1 (100) 11 (71) muttongrass POPR Poa pratensis – – 4 (33) – – – – 19 (43) Kentucky bluegrass FORBS ACLA5 Achillea lanulosa 3 (83) 11 (83) 9 (75) 4 (50) 7 (43) western yarrow ADLE Adenolinum lewisii T (17) 6 (67) – – – – – – blue flax ALGE Allium geyeri 2 (33) – – – – 2 (50) T (29) Geyer onion ANPA4 Antennaria parvifolia 3 (17) 1 (17) 6 (25) – – 2 (29) smallleaf pussytoes ANRO2 Antennaria rosea 6 (17) 1 (17) 2 (50) – – 1 (29) rose pussytoes CAGU Calochortus gunnisonii 1 (50) 3 (17) 1 (50) – – 2 (57) Gunnison mariposa CALI4 Castilleja linariifolia T (17) T (17) – – T (50) 1 (57) Wyoming paintbrush ERCO24 Eremogone congesta 20 (100) 5 (50) 15 (50) 23 (50) 28 (71) desert sandwort EREA eatonii 2 (83) – – 2 (75) 2 (100) 4 (57) Eaton fleabane ERSP4 Erigeron speciosus 4 (33) 18 (50) – – 1 (50) 6 (14) Oregon fleabane ERSU2 Erigeron subtrinervis 1 (17) 3 (33) 1 (25) – – 4 (43) threenerve fleabane ERRA3 Eriogonum racemosum 1 (33) – – T (25) 4 (50) 3 (57) redroot buckwheat ERSU11 Eriogonum subalpinum 5 (33) 4 (33) 4 (100) 2 (50) 1 (14) sulfurflower ERTR19 Erythrocoma triflora 1 (50) 1 (17) 2 (50) – – 2 (14) prairie smoke GASE6 Galium septentrionale 8 (67) 5 (33) 3 (50) – – 1 (43) northern bedstraw GADR3 Gastrolychnis drummondii 1 (17) – – – – 1 (50) T (43) alpine campion HEPA11 Heuchera parvifolia T (17) 1 (83) 1 (25) – – T (14) littleleaf alumroot LALE2 Lathyrus leucanthus 9 (33) 4 (83) 2 (75) 1 (50) 3 (57) aspen peavine LUAR3 Lupinus argenteus T (17) 5 (67) – – 4 (50) 1 (43) silvery lupine ORLU2 Orthocarpus luteus T (17) T (17) 2 (50) – – 2 (14) yellow owl-clover PECA4 Penstemon caespitosus – – – – 1 (25) 3 (50) 5 (57) beardtongue PHMU3 Phlox multiflora 2 (33) – – 16 (25) 1 (50) 7 (14) flowery phlox PODO4 Polygonum douglasii 1 (17) T (33) 1 (50) – – – – Douglas knotweed POHI6 Potentilla hippiana 4 (33) 1 (50) – – – – 1 (29) horse cinquefoil POPU9 Potentilla pulcherrima 5 (50) 5 (50) 1 (75) – – 4 (71) beauty cinquefoil PSMO Pseudocymopterus montanus 2 (17) 1 (17) 1 (25) – – T (29) mountain parsely TAOF Taraxacum officinale 4 (33) 2 (83) 2 (75) 3 (50) 33 (29) common dandelion VIAM Vicia americana 1 (17) 3 (67) 6 (50) 1 (50) 4 (86) American vetch WYMA Wyethia x magna – – 1 (33) 10 (75) 21 (50) 2 (57) mule's ears GROUND COVER .BARESO bare soil 7 (100) 11 (83) 10 (100) 14 (100) 15 (86) .LITTER litter and duff 86 (100) 84 (100) 82 (100) 59 (100) 75 (86) GRAVEL gravel 0.2-10 cm 2 3 4 13 4 .COBBLE cobble 10-25 cm 3 (67) 3 (33) – – 2 (100) 2 (43) .STONES stone > 25 cm T (50) 4 (17) 1 (25) 2 (100) 3 (29) .MOSSON moss on soil 2 (67) 1 (17) 1 (25) – – – – LICHENS lichens on soil 1 1 8 5 1

654 SU5 ARAR8-ARTRV/DAPA2-FEID LOW-MOUNTAIN SAGEBRUSHES/IDAHO FESCUE–HEAVY CLAY SOILS Low sagebrush-Mountain big sagebrush/Parry oatgrass-Idaho fescue– Smectitic Cryoboralfs–Exposed Subalpine ridges, 9,000-10,000 ft

Figure 31-3. Cross-section of vegetation structure of Low-mountain sagebrushes/Idaho fescue– Heavy clay soils. Aspects are westerly, and slope angles average 10%.

Low-mountain sagebrushes/Idaho fescue– The soils of Low-mountain sagebrushes/ Idaho Heavy clay soils is an uncommon type, usually fescue–Heavy clay soils are morphologically outside the deep rainshadows, on exposed similar to the soils of Black sagebrush/Arizona Subalpine ridges in areas with heavy Smectitic clay fescue–Coarse heavy clay soils–Windward, but soils. It occurs on exposed ridges in the Gunnison the vegetation, soil temperature, and climate are Basin, but is unknown elsewhere. Low-mountain very different. These two types have often been sagebrushes/Idaho fescue–Heavy clay soils is confused in the past, as evidenced by the local place characterized by low sagebrush (ARAR8) and name Black Sage Pass, where there is no black mountain sagebrush (ARTRV). See Table 31-12 for sagebrush (ARNO4) nearby, but plenty of low common species names and codes. Other sagebrush (ARAR8)! The two species and associated distinguishing features include Idaho fescue, Parry ecological types are easily distinguished. Low- oatgrass, and Mollisols. mountain sagebrushes/Idaho fescue–Heavy clay Low-mountain sagebrushes/Idaho fescue– soils is usually adjacent to and interspersed with Heavy clay soils is related to Low sagebrush/ mountain big sagebrush/Thurber fescue Idaho fescue–Heavy clay soils, which occurs at communities. Low sagebrush sites often occur as somewhat higher elevations on deeper, coarser patches within a sagebrush/Thurber site. soils, and is generally lacks mountain sagebrush. Grazing by livestock, elk, and deer first removes Low-mountain sagebrushes/Idaho fescue–Heavy palatable Parry oatgrass and Idaho fescue, after clay soils is also related to Low which sites are dominated by low sagebrush and sagebrush/Thurber-Idaho fescues–Cold dark clay forbs, especially sandwort. Once the seed sources soils, which has prominent Thurber fescue and for those grasses is eliminated, the low sagebrush- occurs at somewhat higher elevations on easterly forbs community forms a disclimax. Horizontal slopes with deeper, darker (Mollic), coarser soils. obstruction varies from very low to moderate, The plant association Artemisia arbuscula-A. averaging low, so there is typically, little hiding tridentata ssp. vaseyana/Festuca idahoensis is cover for deer and elk on these sites. Deer and elk described as new here. use of all community types is low during the winter and moderately low spring through fall for rest. The sites are rarely used by sage grouse for cover in the summer. Sage grouse use of all community types is very low for leks and nesting in spring and moderate in summer.

655 Summary of Ecological Type Characteristics 1. Explanation of symbols in Appendix A. Percentages in [brackets] indicate the percentage of plots sampled that have that characteristic.

NUMBER OF SAMPLES 5, soil descriptions from 2 (total 5) ELEVATION 9,460 ft (9,000-9,920 ft); 2,883 m (2,743-3,023 m) AVERAGE ASPECT 255°M (r = 0.58) LITHOLOGY Mudstone, sandstone, granite, gneiss FORMATIONS¹ Jm, Tos LANDFORMS Ridges SLOPE POSITIONS Summits and shoulders SLOPE SHAPES Linear to convex horizontally, Convex to concave vertically SLOPE ANGLE 10.0% SOIL PARENT MATERIAL Residuum or old Alluvium COARSE FRAGMENTS 0.9% (1-1%) cover on surface, 19.3% (19-20%) by volume in soil SOIL DEPTH 73 cm (26-120 cm); 28.7 in (10-47 in) MOLLIC THICKNESS 27 cm (3-51 cm); 10.6 in (1-20 in) TEXTURE surface: Clay loam, subsurface: Clay SOIL CLASSIFICATION Cryoboralfs, very deep TOTAL LIVE COVER 182.4% (128.5-236.0%) NUMBER OF SPECIES 22.2 (12-40) TOTAL LIVE COVER/NO. SPECIES 10.7% (5.0-19.7%) CLIMATE Cool to cold, dry in summer. The local distribution of this type indicates that it results from the unique soil situation. WATER Soils are impermeable so most water runs off.

Community Type A Mountain sagebrush-low sagebrush is dominated by mountain sagebrush, with 20-40% cover, and low sagebrush, with 10-45% cover. Parry oatgrass is usually prominent, but may be absent, with cover ranging from 0 to 75%. Idaho fescue is usually prominent but may be absent, with cover ranging from 0 to 35% cover. Thurber fescue (FETH) was prominent in one plot.

Table 31-9. Community types within Low-mountain sagebrushes/Idaho fescue–Heavy clay soils. Obstruct’n %: Cover, %: Prod.¹, 1.5-2.0 m es Coarseness, % Surface Avg Trees No. Species lb/ac/yr 1.0-1.5 m Depth, cm Coarse, % Layr Shrubs Total Live Shrubs 0.5-1.0 m Community sampl Elevation, ft Mollic Depth, Bare, % Layer Height, Cvr Graminoids Cover, % Gramin. 0.0-0.5 m Type No. Slope, % cm Seral Stage Lr m % Forbs TLC/NS, % Forbs Total<2m 0 (0-0) S1 0.7 (0.5-1.0) 27 0 (0-0) A. Mountain 19 (19-20) 1 (1-1) 22 (12-40) 753-1428 0 (0-0) 9,460 (9,000-9,920) S2 0.3 (0.0-0.5) 16 52 (31-66) sagebrush-low 5 73 (26-120) 4 (2-5) 182 (129-236) 512-2959 5 (0-10) 10.0 (10-10) GF 0.2 (0.0-0.9) 86 83 (37-150) sagebrush 27 (3-51) 10.7 (5.0-19.7) 66-1167 58 (35-80) ML Missing M 47 (19-109) 16 (9-23)

Table 31-10. Wildlife values (relative to the whole UGB) for the principal wildlife species using Low-mountain sagebrushes/Idaho fescue–Heavy clay soils. Sage Grouse Mule Deer Elk CT Season–Preference Season–Preference Season–Preference Spring– Very Low (Lek) Winter, Any–Low Winter, Any–Low All Nesting– Very Low Spring/Fall– Mod. Low (Rest) Spring/Fall– Mod. Low (Rest) Summer– Moderate

656

Table 31-11. Resource Values for Low-mountain sagebrushes/Idaho fescue–Heavy clay soils. Resource values were calculated from the numbers in Table 31-9, relative to the whole UGB. The numbers in this table can be translated: 0 = Very Low, 1 = Low, 2 = Moderately Low, 3 = Moderate, 4 = Moderately High, 5 = High, and 6 = Very High. Community Type Resource Value A Potential Cattle Forage Production 3 Grazing Suitability 2¹ Wetland No Riparian Area No Developed Recreation 1¹ Dispersed Recreation 1¹ Scenic 1 Road & Trail Stability 2¹ Construction Suitability 1¹ Deer & Elk Hiding Cover 1 Deer & Elk Forage & Browse 2 Need for Watershed Protection 2-3 Soil Stability 2¹ Risk of Soil Loss-Natural 2-3 Risk of Soil Loss-Management 4-5 Risk of Permanent Depletion-Range 3 Risk of Permanent Depletion-Wildlife 1 Resource Cost of Management 5 Cost of Rehabilitation 2-3 1. Unstable, not suitable in spring and fall, when the soil turns to sticky mud.

A mixed stand of mountain and low sagebrushes, with Parry oatgrass and Thurber fescue (Community Type A). Mountain sagebrush 21%, low sagebrush 19%, Parry oatgrass 41%, Thurber fescue 26%. Soil sampled as a Mollic Cryoboralf, Fine, Smectitic. Pitkin Quadrangle, elevation 9,920 ft, 10% 270° (W) slope. August 17, 1994.

657 Table 31-12. Common Species in Low-mountain sagebrushes/Idaho fescue–Heavy clay soils, where Characteristic cover > 10% or Constancy > 20%. "–" means that the species is not found. Dead cover is not listed. Ccv = Characteristic Cover, Con = Constancy. If Avc = Average Cover, then these are related using the formula Avc = Ccv•100%/Con. Ccv (Con) Code Species N = 5 Common Name SHRUBS AMAL2 Amelanchier alnifolia 1 (20) Saskatoon serviceberry ARAR8 Artemisia arbuscula 22 (100) low sagebrush ARTRV Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana 27 (80) mountain big sagebrush CHPA13 Chrysothamnus parryi T (20) Parry rabbitbrush CHVI8 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus 4 (60) Douglas rabbitbrush SYRO Symphoricarpos rotundifolius 5 (40) mountain snowberry GRAMINOIDS ACLE9 Achnatherum lettermanii 10 (20) Letterman needlegrass BRCA10 Bromopsis canadensis T (20) fringed brome CAGE2 Carex geyeri 4 (20) elk sedge CAOB4 Carex obtusata 4 (20) blunt sedge DAPA2 Danthonia parryi 48 (80) Parry oatgrass ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 5 (60) bottlebrush squirreltail FEID Festuca idahoensis 15 (80) Idaho fescue FETH Festuca thurberi 11 (60) Thurber fescue KOMA Koeleria macrantha 2 (40) prairie junegrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 1 (20) western wheatgrass POA Poa 20 (20) bluegrass POFE Poa fendleriana 5 (40) muttongrass POJU Poa juncifolia 20 (20) alkali bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 40 (20) Kentucky bluegrass FORBS ACLA5 Achillea lanulosa 4 (60) western yarrow AGGL Agoseris glauca 10 (20) false-dandelion ALLIU Allium 1 (20) onion ALGE Allium geyeri 1 (20) Geyer onion AMLA6 Amerosedum lanceolatum T (20) yellow stonecrop ANMA Anaphalis margaritacea T (20) western pearly-everlasting ANSE4 Androsace septentrionalis T (20) northern rock-jasmine ANPA4 Antennaria parvifolia T (20) smallleaf pussytoes ANRO2 Antennaria rosea 7 (20) rose pussytoes ASTER Aster 11 (20) aster ASTRA Astragalus 1 (20) milkvetch CAGU Calochortus gunnisonii 1 (40) Gunnison mariposa DENU2 Delphinium nuttallianum 5 (20) pine larkspur DERA Delphinium ramosum T (20) mountain larkspur ERCO24 Eremogone congesta 13 (80) desert sandwort EREA Erigeron eatonii T (40) Eaton fleabane ERFL Erigeron flagellaris 1 (20) trailing fleabane ERSP4 Erigeron speciosus 3 (40) Oregon fleabane ERSU2 Erigeron subtrinervis 4 (20) threenerve fleabane ERRA3 Eriogonum racemosum T (20) redroot buckwheat ERSU11 Eriogonum subalpinum 8 (60) sulfurflower ERTR19 Erythrocoma triflora T (40) prairie smoke GASE6 Galium septentrionale T (20) northern bedstraw GARA2 Gayophytum ramosissimum T (20) hairstem ground smoke LALE2 Lathyrus leucanthus 5 (20) aspen peavine MELA3 Mertensia lanceolata 3 (20) lanceleaf bluebells NOMO2 Noccaea montana T (20) candytuft ORLU2 Orthocarpus luteus 3 (40) yellow owl-clover PADI11 Packera dimorphophylla 1 (20) splitleaf groundsel PATR7 Packera tridenticulata T (20) groundsel PHMU3 Phlox multiflora 8 (40) flowery phlox PODO4 Polygonum douglasii 3 (20) Douglas knotweed POHI6 Potentilla hippiana 1 (20) horse cinquefoil POPU9 Potentilla pulcherrima 1 (20) beauty cinquefoil RANUN Ranunculus 42 (20) buttercup SEIN2 Senecio integerrimus 1 (20) lambs-tongue groundsel TAOF Taraxacum officinale 2 (20) common dandelion TRGY Trifolium gymnocarpum 14 (20) holly-leaf clover WYMA Wyethia x magna 5 (40) mule's ears GROUND COVER .BARESO bare soil 4 (60) .LITTER litter and duff 92 (40) GRAVEL gravel 0.2-10 cm 1 LICHENS lichens on soil T

658 SU6 LOW SAGEBRUSH/THURBER-IDAHO FESCUES–COLD DARK CLAY SOILS ARAR8/ Low sagebrush/Parry oatgrass-Thurber fescue-Idaho fescue– DAPA2-FETH-FEID Argic Cryoborolls–Subalpine slopes, 8,900-10,600 ft

Figure 31-4. Cross-section (in the bracket) of vegetation structure of Low sagebrush/Thurber-Idaho fescues– Cold dark clay soils. Aspects are easterly, and slope angles average 14%.

Low sagebrush/Thurber-Idaho fescues–Cold This type is usually adjacent to and interspersed dark clay soils is a very common type in areas with mountain big sagebrush/ Thurber fescue outside deep rainshadows. It is unusual on various communities. Low sagebrush sites often occur as slopes in the northern part of the Gunnison Basin. patches within a sagebrush/Thurber site. It is unclear whether this type has been described Grazing by livestock, elk, and deer first removes from elsewhere. Low sagebrush/Thurber-Idaho palatable Parry oatgrass and Idaho fescue, after fescues–Cold dark clay soils is characterized by which site are dominated by low sagebrush and low sagebrush (ARAR8), Thurber fescue (FETH), and forbs, especially sandwort. Once the seed sources blunt sedge (CAOB4). See Table 31-16 for common for those grasses is eliminated, the low sagebrush- species names and codes. Other distinguishing forbs community forms a disclimax. Horizontal features include Parry oatgrass (DAPA2), Idaho obstruction varies from low to moderate, averaging fescue (FEID), and Mollisols. moderately low, so there is typically little hiding Low sagebrush/Thurber-Idaho fescues–Cold cover for deer and elk on these sites. Mule deer and dark clay soils is related to Thurber-Arizona elk use of all communities is low in the winter but fescues–Deep cold dark soils, which occurs at moderate spring through fall for rest and forage. somewhat higher elevations on more southerly Sage grouse rarely use sites for cover in the aspects and slightly shallower soils, and lacks summer. Sage grouse use of all communities is very sagebrush. Low sagebrush/Thurber-Idaho low in spring for both leks and nesting, but fescues–Cold dark clay soils is also related to Low moderate in the summer. sagebrush/Idaho fescue–Heavy clay soils, which occurs on more westerly aspects on less-coarse non-Mollic soils. The plant association Artemisia arbuscula/ Danthonia parryi-Festuca thurberi-F. idahoensis is described as new here.

659 Summary of Ecological Type Characteristics 1. Explanation of symbols in Appendix A. Percentages in [brackets] indicate the percentage of plots sampled that have that characteristic.

NUMBER OF SAMPLES 4, soil descriptions from 4 (total 4) ELEVATION 9,753 ft (8,980-10,530 ft); 2,972 m (2,737-3,209 m) AVERAGE ASPECT 89°M (r = 0.24) LITHOLOGY Various FORMATIONS¹ Various LANDFORMS Soil creep slopes, debris flows, and lateral moraines SLOPE POSITIONS Upper backslopes, toeslopes, and summits SLOPE SHAPES Linear to convex horizontally, Linear vertically SLOPE ANGLE 18.5% (8-40%) SOIL PARENT MATERIAL Colluvial, old alluvial, or glacial COARSE FRAGMENTS 12.6% (3-32%) cover on surface, 53.9% (30-77%) by volume in soil SOIL DEPTH 93 cm (56-139 cm); 36.6 in (22-55 in) MOLLIC THICKNESS 48 cm (24-106 cm); 18.7 in (9-42 in) TEXTURE Various SOIL CLASSIFICATION Argic Cryoborolls, very deep to deep TOTAL LIVE COVER 153.2% (134.4-164.1%) NUMBER OF SPECIES 29.5 (19-36) TOTAL LIVE COVER/NO. SPECIES 5.6% (4.1-8.6%) CLIMATE Cool to cold, dry in summer. The local distribution of this type indicates that it is responding primarily to the unique soil situation. WATER These soils are very impermeable, hence most water runs off.

Community Type A Thurber fescue-low fescue-blunt sedge-aspen peavine is dominated by Thurber fescue, 2-80% cover, and low sagebrush, 15-40% cover. Blunt sedge is a conspicuous understory plant, 3-35% cover. Total graminoid cover is 40-130%, and graminoid production is 300-800 lb/ac/yr.

Table 31-13. Community types within Low sagebrush/Thurber-Idaho fescues–Cold dark clay soils. Obstruct’n %: Cover, %: Prod.¹, 1.5-2.0 m es Coarseness, % Surface Avg Trees No. Species lb/ac/yr 1.0-1.5 m Depth, cm Coarse, % Layr Shrubs Total Live Shrubs 0.5-1.0 m Community sampl Elevation, ft Mollic Depth, Bare, % Layer Height, Cvr Graminoids Cover, % Gramin. 0.0-0.5 m Type No. Slope, % cm Seral Stage Lr m % Forbs TLC/NS, % Forbs Total<2m A. Thurber 0 (0-0) GF 0.3 (0.0-1.2) 84.7 0 (0-0) fescue-low 54 (30-77) 13 (3-32) 30 (19-36) 168-346 0 (0-0) 9,753 (8,980-10,530) S 0.2 (0.0-0.5) 25.7 26 (18-34) sagebrush-blunt 4 93 (56-139) 15 (13-19) 153 (134-164) 348-737 3 (0-10) 18.5 (8-40) M 0.0 0.9 87 (44-126) sedge-aspen 48 (24-106) 5.6 (4.1-8.6) 42-550 62 (40-80) L 0.0 3.7 40 (21-65) peavine 16 (10-23)

Table 31-14. Wildlife values (relative to the whole UGB) for the principal wildlife species using Low sagebrush/Thurber-Idaho fescues–Cold dark clay soils. Sage Grouse Mule Deer Elk CT Season–Preference Season–Preference Season–Preference Spring– Very Low (Lek) Winter, Any– Low Winter, Any– Low All Nesting– Very Low Spring/Fall– Moderate (Rest) Spring/Fall– Moderate (Rest, Forage) Summer– Moderate

660

Table 31-15. Resource Values for Low sagebrush/Thurber-Idaho fescues–Cold dark clay soils. Resource values were calculated from the numbers in Table 31-13, relative to the whole UGB. The numbers in this table can be translated: 0 = Very Low, 1 = Low, 2 = Moderately Low, 3 = Moderate, 4 = Moderately High, 5 = High, and 6 = Very High. Community Type Community Type Resource Value A Resource Value A Potential Cattle Forage Production 3 Sage Grouse Cover 3-4 Grazing Suitability 2¹ Sage Grouse Nesting/Brood Potential ns Wetland No Need for Watershed Protection 2-3 Riparian Area No Soil Stability 2¹ Developed Recreation 1¹ Risk of Soil Loss-Natural 2-3 Dispersed Recreation 1¹ Risk of Soil Loss-Management 4-5 Scenic 1 Risk of Permanent Depletion-Range 3 Road & Trail Stability 2¹ Risk of Permanent Depletion-Wildlife 1 Construction Suitability 1¹ Resource Cost of Management 5 Deer & Elk Hiding Cover 2-3 Cost of Rehabilitation 2-3 Deer & Elk Forage & Browse 2 1. Unstable, not suitable in spring and fall, when the soil turns to sticky mud.

An example of the low sagebrush/Thurber-Idaho fescues type (Community Type A). Low sagebrush 34% cover, Thurber fescue 46%, blunt sedge 18%, mountain muhly 13%, Parry oatgrass 4%. Soil sampled as a Pachic Argiboroll, Loamy-Skeletal, Mixed. Gothic Quadrangle, elevation 8,980 ft, 8% 078° (ENE) slope. September 19, 1994.

661 Table 31-16. Common Species in Low sagebrush/Thurber-Idaho fescues–Cold dark clay soils, where Characteristic cover > 10% or Constancy > 20%. Dead cover is not listed. Ccv = Characteristic Cover, Con = Constancy. If Avc = Average Cover, then these are related using the formula Avc = Ccv•100%/Con.

Community Type A Ccv (Con) Code Species N = 4 Common Name SHRUBS AMAL2 Amelanchier alnifolia 2 (25) Saskatoon serviceberry ARAR8 Artemisia arbuscula 24 (100) low sagebrush CHNA2 Chrysothamnus nauseosus 1 (50) rubber rabbitbrush CHPA13 Chrysothamnus parryi T (25) Parry rabbitbrush CHVI8 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus 1 (75) Douglas rabbitbrush MARE11 Mahonia repens T (25) Oregon-grape PAMY Paxistima myrsinites T (25) mountain-lover ROWO Rosa woodsii 2 (25) Woods rose GRAMINOIDS ACLE9 Achnatherum lettermanii 5 (50) Letterman needlegrass ACPI2 Achnatherum pinetorum 4 (50) pine needlegrass BRCA10 Bromopsis canadensis 5 (25) fringed brome BRPO5 Bromopsis porteri 1 (25) nodding brome CAFO3 Carex foenea 1 (25) silvertop sedge CAOB4 Carex obtusata 18 (100) blunt sedge CASTE3 Carex stenophylla ssp. eleocharis 3 (25) needleleaf sedge DAPA2 Danthonia parryi 4 (25) Parry oatgrass ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 4 (75) bottlebrush squirreltail ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 2 (25) slender wheatgrass FEAR2 Festuca arizonica 3 (75) Arizona fescue FESA Festuca saximontana 1 (25) Rocky Mountain fescue FETH Festuca thurberi 41 (100) Thurber fescue HECO26 Hesperostipa comata 1 (25) needle-and-thread KOMA Koeleria macrantha 3 (50) prairie junegrass MUMO Muhlenbergia montana 13 (25) mountain muhly POFE Poa fendleriana 11 (75) muttongrass POPR Poa pratensis 4 (25) Kentucky bluegrass FORBS ACLA5 Achillea lanulosa 3 (50) western yarrow ADLE Adenolinum lewisii 2 (25) blue flax AGGL Agoseris glauca 1 (50) false-dandelion ALGE Allium geyeri 1 (25) Geyer onion ANRO2 Antennaria rosea 13 (25) rose pussytoes CAGU Calochortus gunnisonii T (25) Gunnison mariposa COUM Comandra umbellata 1 (25) bastard toadflax DENU2 Delphinium nuttallianum T (25) pine larkspur ERCO24 Eremogone congesta 26 (50) desert sandwort EREA Erigeron eatonii 8 (25) Eaton fleabane ERSP4 Erigeron speciosus T (25) Oregon fleabane ERSU2 Erigeron subtrinervis 1 (50) threenerve fleabane ERSU11 Eriogonum subalpinum 1 (50) sulfurflower ERUM Eriogonum umbellatum 6 (50) sulfur buckwheat ERTR19 Erythrocoma triflora 1 (25) prairie smoke FRVI Fragaria virginiana 1 (25) Virginia strawberry GADR3 Gastrolychnis drummondii 1 (25) alpine campion IPAG Ipomopsis aggregata T (25) trumpet gilia LALE2 Lathyrus leucanthus 4 (100) aspen peavine LIPO Ligusticum porteri T (25) osha LUAR3 Lupinus argenteus 4 (50) silvery lupine ORLU2 Orthocarpus luteus 1 (25) yellow owl-clover PESA2 Penstemon saxosorum T (25) upland beard-tongue PEST2 Penstemon strictus 1 (25) Mancos penstemon POHI6 Potentilla hippiana 8 (25) horse cinquefoil POPU9 Potentilla pulcherrima 1 (25) beauty cinquefoil PSIN4 Psilochenia intermedia 2 (25) gray hawksbeard SOSI3 Solidago simplex 3 (25) Mt. Albert goldenrod TAOF Taraxacum officinale 1 (50) common dandelion VIAM Vicia americana 3 (50) American vetch WYMA Wyethia x magna 12 (25) mule's ears GROUND COVER .BARESO bare soil 15 (100) .LITTER litter and duff 72 (100) GRAVEL gravel 0.2-10 cm 4 .COBBLE cobble 10-25 cm 6 (50) .STONES stone > 25 cm 3 (50) .MOSSON moss on soil 4 (25) LICHENS lichens on soil 15

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